Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
Every woman is at risk for breast and cervical cancer, and the risk gets greater as you get older. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Women’s Health Check program offers FREE mammograms and Pap tests for women who qualify. South Central Public Health District is the local contracting coordinator for district 5.
If you are between the ages of 50 and 64, are low income, and have no insurance coverage, contact the Women's Health Check Coordinator in the Twin Falls office at 737-5935, 737-5938, or call the Idaho Careline by dialing 211. If you live in another area of the state, call 1-800-926-2588 to find out about the Women's Health Check program in your area.
Click on the Women’s Health Check logo (lower left) for more information.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention Program
Facts
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In 2004, Idaho was the 5th worst for fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and 8th worst for sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy screenings.
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Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Idaho for men and women when combined.
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Colorectal cancer can be prevented by removing precancerous polyps or abnormal growths, which can be present in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops.
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When colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90 percent. Because screening rates are low, less than 40 percent of colorectal cancers are found early.
Risk Factors
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People over the age of 50
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Inflammatory bowel disease
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High fat, low fiber diet
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Lack of exercise
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Genetics
Screenings
Colon cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment often leads to a cure.
If you are aged 50 or older, or think you may be at higher than average risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about getting screened.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
This test checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. At home, you place a small amount of your stool from three consecutive bowel movements on test cards. You return the cards to your doctor's office or to a lab where they're checked for blood. This test is recommended yearly. (If blood is found, you likely will need a follow-up colonoscopy.)
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Before this test, you use a strong laxative and/or enema to clean out the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is conducted at the doctor's office, in a clinic or at a hospital. The doctor (or other specially trained healthcare professional) uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon. During the exam, the doctor may remove polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every five years. (If polyps are found, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.)
Combination of FOBT and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Some doctors recommend having both the FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy to increase the chance of finding polyps (abnormal growths) and cancers. When used in combination, FOBT is recommended yearly and flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended every five years.
Colonoscopy
Before this test, you will take a strong laxative to clean out the colon. Colonoscopy is conducted in a doctor's office, in a clinic or at a hospital. 
You are given a sedative to make you more comfortable, while the doctor uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the entire colon. This test is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except that the tube used is longer and allows the doctor to see the entire colon. During the exam, the doctor may remove polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every 10 years. (Colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests.)
Double-Contrast Barium Enema
This test is conducted in a radiology center or at a hospital. Before the test, you use a strong laxative and/or enema to clean out the colon. For this procedure, you are given an enema with a barium solution, followed by an injection of air. An X-ray of the rectum and colon is then taken. The barium coats the lining of the intestines so that polyps and other abnormalities are visible on the X-ray. This test is recommended every five years. (If polyps are found, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.)
Advisory Group
An advisory group has been formed to address colorectal cancer in this region. Please contact the program coordinator if you are interested.
Support Groups
Intermountain Homecare
(Cassia Regional Medical Center)
Living Through Cancer
(St. Luke's Magic Valley)
See Also
Screen for Life Detailed Facts on Screening
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/pdf/Basic_FS_Eng_Color.pdf
CDC Colorectal Cancer homepage
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
No Sun for Baby
Exposure to the sun's rays can harm your baby's skin. Too much sun early in life can lead to serious health problems later, including a skin cancer called melanoma.
The No Sun for Baby program highlights the importance of sun protection for children of all ages, but also educates parents and caregivers not to use sunscreen on babies under the age of 6 months. Babies under 6 months of age should not use sunscreen because sunscreen can impair effective cooling by perspiration and babies have a hard time keeping cool, sunscreens are made of chemicals so the exposure is higher for a baby as compared to older children and adults, and lastly, most research on sunscreen has been performed on children 6 months and older. There are things you can do to protect your baby's skin while he/she is under 6 months of age.
Click on the links below to learn more about sun protection for children of all ages.
Click on the links below to learn more
about protecting your baby's skin at the pool.